Living Faith: Serving Christ in the Least of These (02/11/'24)

Living Faith: Serving Christ in the Least of These The Holy Spirit nourishes those in spiritual hunger with the sustenance of Christ, clothes the bareness of Christ found in the needy, tends to Christ's wounds in the sick, and provides refuge for Christ in the homeless. This is echoed in the poignant inquiry, "Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you as a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?" (Mt 25:37-39). Through these questions, the Holy Spirit is revealed to view our life's challenges as opportunities, akin to eternal signposts, guiding us back to our spiritual home. Jesus devoted every moment to addressing the world's needs, embodying a commitment he desires from his followers—to embrace a compassionate and service-oriented mindset. In his judgment, he distinguishes between two groups: the "sheep," who will be celebrated for their service to those in need, and the "goats," who will face eternal separation from him for their indifference. This division underscores a profound truth: genuine faith transcends the confines of church walls, actively seeking out and serving those in distress and facing injustice, particularly the most vulnerable among us. Matthew 25 unveils the astonishing extent of Jesus' love for humanity. His deep solidarity with "the least of these" highlights that when we extend love and compassion to the marginalized, we are directly engaging with Jesus himself. This realization challenges us to live out our faith through acts of love and service, embodying the grace and compassion of Christ in our everyday lives. -Pastor Steven G. Lee (February 11, 2024)